CLOSE

Marvin Sapp's 11th solo album, Close, was inspired by its personal title track, which Sapp wrote in the aftermath of losing his wife of 20 years to cancer. After deciding to record it, he worked to produce an accompanying set of songs with a mind to uplifting those facing hardship. The resulting tracks include collaborations such as "Kind God," written by Kirk Franklin, and "You and Me Together," with featured vocalists Erica Campbell and Izze Williams. The ballad "Listen" was written and produced by R. Kelly. Close debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Albums chart, his fifth record to top the chart. ~ Marcy Donelson

• Genre: Pop
• Format: CD
• Released: 09/29/2017